This speech is bigger than me... bigger than this graduating class... and the world around us. It's an epiphany. This talk is for the little guy, the middleman, and the guy who's always behind the scenes... Over the past four years we've seen stories, read newspaper articles, and heard announcements about our star athletes, scholars, and beyond Although it's undeniable who left their footprints at County High by relentlessly trying to better themselves, while you're on the brink of adulthood, you can't help but wonder, "What about me?" What about my effort to move forward? We speak, but our voices are silent, our contributions seem to go unnoticed, and our greatest effort is barely enough. Even though this mediocre lifestyle is not extravagant by society's standards, all of you should be proud to be here because you may be the first person in your family to graduate from high school, go to college, or the first to aspire to break the cycle. . And while this day might be a small step for others, this could be the biggest step of YOUR life. Appreciate that you are blazing the trail for others who may be just like you by following in your footsteps or climbing the exact same ladder you climbed. Because of these inspiring acts, we are the de facto movers and shakers of America. While some viewers look down on us, seeing teenagers who seem to be out of control, irresponsible and impossible, at the same time, a child looks up to us for inspiration and validation... because to them we are their only hope while we let our guard down when we become one society welcomed into another. Ladies and gentlemen of adulthood!!! Today is a turning point for each of us. As we sit on this field, we are essentially resisting our fears of feeling inferior and letting our true colors shine. Today is a day to be proud of yourself and others. Today is your day to show everyone your true self. In a way, every person is the average Joe, because every step we take, every move we make, and every word we speak will affect another's life in some way... and that's not average.